International

Niger Republic Rejects ECOWAS Passport, Bars Nigerians from Entry

Published

1 month ago

Feb 19, 2025.

Trade Relations between Nigeria and Nigeria Republic Deepens
Niger Republic Denies Nigerians with ECOWAS passport Entry
This decision follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.

The Republic of Niger has enforced new immigration restrictions, barring Nigerians holding ECOWAS passports from entering the country.

This decision follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.

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Despite keeping its border with Nigeria open, Nigerien authorities have begun implementing stricter immigration measures at key crossings, including Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger.

As a result, cross-border traders and commuters now face significant challenges, as the ECOWAS passport is no longer recognized as a valid travel document.

A Nigerian immigration officer stationed at the Jibia/Magama Border in Katsina State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Nigerien authorities had begun enforcing the ban as of Tuesday morning.

“They no longer accept Nigerians traveling into Niger Republic with the ECOWAS Travel Certificate (ETC) or ECOWAS passport,” the officer said.

While Nigerian authorities have not yet imposed reciprocal restrictions on Nigerien travelers, immigration officials are awaiting further directives before taking any countermeasures.

The ECOWAS Travel Certificate and passport were designed to facilitate free movement among member states. However, Niger’s unilateral decision has raised concerns about its impact on trade and regional integration.

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The ECOWAS Commission has yet to receive official communication regarding the policy. When contacted on Monday, the commission’s Head of Communication, Joel Ahofodji, stated that the regional bloc was unaware of Niger’s decision to bar ECOWAS passport holders.